Cinder

by Harley Wylde

  I rubbed a hand down my beard and wondered what the hell I was going to do with Meg. Having her around the compound wasn’t going to be easy, but I didn’t want her to feel like I was tossing her out either. I’d hoped by finding her family that maybe she’d want to go home, but that wasn’t going to happen now that I knew they were gone. I sighed and looked up, then my body tensed. Meg was in the doorway, her eyes filled with unshed tears.

  “I need to go, Shade,” I said, then disconnected the call. “Sweetheart, how long you been standing there?”

  “Long enough,” she said. “So now you know. I don’t have anyone or anywhere to go.”

  “How did you know your mom was gone?” I asked.

  “Because Silva showed me a video of her begging for her life. I bucked the status quo once and only once. He sent men to my mother’s house, and then I watched as they slit her wrists and held her down in a tub of water until she bled out. He made sure I saw every second of it.”

  I swallowed hard and got up, going to her. I’d known she’d been through hell, but I hadn’t realized just how far Silva had gone to rip her world apart. He had to have known somehow that her mom was all she had left of her family, and had found the woman. I hated to say the bastard was smart, but he had been. She’d mentioned a friend before. I’d bet money that Silva threatened to hurt her friend if she didn’t toe the line. Sadistic as fuck, but smart. Then again, you didn’t get to be at the top of the food chain without some intelligence.

  “I was only trying to help,” I said. “I thought maybe if I brought your parents here, then you’d see you had other options, other people who cared what happened to you. I didn’t realize they were gone. I’m sorry, Meg.”

  “It’s obvious you don’t want me here,” she said softly. “When it’s safe, I’ll leave. I’m sorry I stayed so long. You should have said something sooner.”

  She turned to go and I reached for her, then closed my fist and refused to make contact. Letting her go was for the best. She’d see that one day, understand after she found the man of her dreams. Being with her was amazing, and I genuinely cared for her, but it would never be enough. I didn’t think I was capable of loving a woman, and that’s what Meg needed.

  I paced my office, feeling unsettled and on edge. I didn’t like knowing I’d hurt her, that she didn’t feel welcome. I’d gotten what I wanted. She was leaving. So why did I feel like such a shit? I hated the way she made me feel, all torn up inside and turned upside down. I’d always known what I wanted, what the club needed, and I’d made it happen. But with Meg, I didn’t know a damn thing. She confused me, and made me sloppy. I couldn’t afford to lose my focus or people could die.

  My phone jingled with a text from Havoc.

  Guests are here. Reckless Kings, Dixie Reapers, Devil’s Fury, and Hades Abyss have all come to help.

  Figured Torch would send someone anyway. I’d told him to focus on his own club in case he was targeted too, but the asshole never listened. Looked like it was time to figure this shit out with The Inferno and kick some ass. I wasn’t about to sit around and let those fuckers hurt the women and kids I considered my family, mine to protect.

  Chapter Six

  Meg

  It felt like my heart had been shredded and I had no one but myself to blame. I’d known what would happen, that Cinder didn’t want me as a permanent part of his life. The fact he obviously regretted what happened between us was like a knife to my chest. It had been a special moment for me, and I’d felt closer to him than I’d ever felt to anyone. I should have known he wouldn’t have felt the same, but some small part of me had held out hope, even as I’d told myself repeatedly it meant nothing to him. If he didn’t want me at the compound anymore, then I wouldn’t be here. I wasn’t stupid enough to leave while there was a threat to my life, not unless I had some serious protection, but once I was able to, I’d find somewhere to go. Even living on the street was preferable to living in a place where I wasn’t wanted.

  I dashed the tears off my cheeks, but more just fell in their place. I’d left the house and he hadn’t even noticed. Even though he thought there was a threat within the gates, I’d needed some space and fresh air. It was stupid, and I could admit that much, but I couldn’t sit in that house with him another moment. I didn’t want to be taken by The Inferno, or anyone else, but I also needed time to think and process everything I was feeling, and I couldn’t do that with Cinder in the same house as me.

  I walked along the path that went past the clubhouse and the gate. There were more bikes than usual and I remembered that other clubs might be coming to help end the threat to the women and children. A few bikers in cuts that read Reckless Kings MC loitered out front, as well as two members of Devil’s Fury. One of them I’d met previously, Dingo. He was Jordan’s brother and seemed nice enough.

  He glanced my way and frowned, then shoved off the porch railing and came toward me. I didn’t stop, hating that anyone saw me crying. Even when Silva had me, I hadn’t cried in front of anyone after I’d watched his men murder my mother. Crying was a sign of weakness, and I couldn’t afford to be weak.

  “Meg! Hold up,” he called out, and started jogging to catch up. “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing,” I muttered and kept walking.

  “You’re crying so it has to be something. Talk to me, Meg. My sister adores you, and she’d kick my ass if something happened and I didn’t do anything about it,” he said.

  “Just leave it alone, Dingo. I was stupid, that’s all.”

  He reached out and grabbed my arm, drawing me to a halt. I huffed out a breath and turned to face him. His eyes were full of compassion and worry.

  “Meg, talk to me. Have I ever given you a reason not to trust me?”

  “No,” I said grudgingly. He really hadn’t. For the most part, he’d kept his distance from me during his visits, but he’d always had a smile for me. Dingo seemed like one of the good ones, the type of guy a woman would be lucky to call her own.

  “Come on. It’s not safe for you to wander around alone. I’ll walk with you if you really want to keep moving,” he said, then slid his hand down my arm to grasp my hand. “We’re friends, right? You know I would never hurt you?”

  I nodded and felt a flutter in my chest. Other than the Devil’s Boneyard women, no one had called me their friend in a really long time. Dingo tugged on my hand and I walked alongside him, trying to decide just what I would say. I knew he wouldn’t leave it alone. For whatever reason, he was determined to help, even though there wasn’t a thing he could do for me. Cinder had ripped out my heart and stomped on it, and only he could fix it. I knew he wouldn’t, though. I’d just get some speech about how I’m better off without him, that he isn’t the type to settle down, and the other crap that had spilled out of his mouth before.

  We came to a small copse of trees and I sank to my knees in front of one. Dingo sprawled next to me, his legs outstretched, and he waited patiently. I could tell he wouldn’t leave until I’d said something, explained why I was upset. It wouldn’t do me any good. If he told Cinder, then the President of Devil’s Boneyard would just watch me with pity, or even worse, he’d feel uncomfortable around me the duration of my stay. I didn’t want either thing to happen.

  “I can wait all day, Meg,” Dingo said.

  “I slept with Cinder,” I said, blurting it out like ripping off a bandage.

  “Did he…” He face flushed and his hands clenched into fists. “Did he force you?”

  My jaw dropped. “What? No! Of course not! He would never do something like that.”

  “Then I don’t understand. Why were you crying? Did it hurt?” he asked.

  “It was wonderful,” I said softly, and looked down at the ground. “And he never wants it to happen again. Regrets that it even transpired that one night. He told me how there can’t be anything between us, and I overheard him on the phone. He tried to find my parents so they would come get me.”

  Dingo cursed and reached out
to take my hand. “What do you want to do, Meg?”

  “I need to leave, but it’s not safe. I can’t stay, not knowing how he feels. He’d told me up front that he didn’t do forever, but I guess I was stupid and thought maybe it would bring us closer together anyway. It had the opposite effect. I’m such an idiot.”

  “No, you’re not. You’ve been badly abused, Meg. It’s only natural that you’d turn to someone who had shown you a bit of tenderness and caring. From what I’ve heard, Cinder could hardly keep his hands off you the night of your party. Is that when it happened?”

  “Yeah. Now I’m wishing I’d just gone home and faced my nightmares. Or rather gone back to my hometown. There’s nothing left me for there.”

  He pulled his phone from his pocket and started tapping on the screen. After a few chimes, I realized he was texting with someone, but I didn’t know why or what it was about. When he shoved his phone back into his pocket, he stood and held out his hand. It was probably time to face the music, or rather Cinder. If he’d even noticed I was missing. At this point, I could probably stay hidden for a day or more and he’d just be thankful I wasn’t reminding him of the mistake he’d made.

  “Come on, Meg. My sister is going to your place to pack your things.”

  “What? Why?” I asked. “I already have most of my stuff at Cinder’s place. I’m supposed to stay with him until everything is settled with The Inferno.”

  “Not anymore,” he said. “I’m sending Jordan and Havoc to pack your shit, regardless of where it’s located.”

  I tugged on him as he tried to lead me back the way we’d come, needing him to stop and explain what was happening. Dingo faced me, his jaw set and his lips pressed into a tight line. Whatever was going on in his head, it didn’t seem he was going to take no for an answer. If I didn’t know how sweet he was to Jordan, and how much she trusted him, I might have been a little worried.

  “I’m getting you out of here, Meg,” he said.

  “Out? But… The Inferno!”

  “Badger is coming with us, as well as Copper and Crow from Reckless Kings. The four of us can keep you safe on the way to the Devil’s Fury compound. Grizzly will send someone else to help Devil’s Boneyard.”

  “Leave?” I asked softly. “Now?”

  “It’s what you wanted, right? To get out of here? Away from Cinder and his bullshit excuses?” he asked.

  “Well, yes, but I’d thought I’d have to wait. Are you sure this is the right thing to do?”

  “I’ll keep you safe, Meg. We all will. We’d die for you.”

  “Don’t take things that far. Jordan would resurrect me just to kill me all over again if you died because of me.”

  He snickered, but I noticed he didn’t deny what I’d said. Jordan loved fiercely and Dingo was one of her favorite people. Out of the two brothers I’d met, he was certainly her favorite. CJ tended to be a complete ass and I knew most of the club was getting tired of his shit. Couldn’t blame them. He’d fucked up time and again, but I also knew it was because of Jordan and her tie to CJ that the Prospect hadn’t been kicked out by now. Cinder had a soft spot for the women in the club, even if he wouldn’t admit it. He might call Jordan a pain in the ass, but I knew he cared for her. Probably admired the hell out of her, she was so strong and independent. Nothing like me.

  “How are we taking my things all the way to your compound?” I asked. “Not everything will fit on a bike.”

  “Reckless Kings brought a truck with them. You can ride with Crow and your belongings. The rest of us will surround the truck.”

  “With only three of you that’s going to be difficult.”

  His phone started chiming again. It went off three times before he could even pull it from his pocket. He swiped the screen and then grinned.

  “Looks like there will be more of us. Badger told the Dixie Reapers what was happening. Savior and Grimm are going to tag along, make sure we get there safely, then they’ll come back to lend a hand here,” he said.

  “Fine. But if The Inferno comes to take me, just kill me before they get the chance. I’ve lived that kind of life before and I don’t want to do it again,” I said. “Promise me, Dingo. It’s the only way I’ll go with you.”

  “I promise,” he said softly, then pulled me in for a quick hug.

  I followed him down the road a ways before a black truck came hurtling toward us. I tensed, prepared to run, but Dingo lifted a hand and waved at the driver, even though I couldn’t see who was driving. I hoped that meant he recognized the vehicle. When the truck came to a stop, a tall Native American man stepped out. He flashed me a tentative smile before focusing on Dingo.

  “Jordan got what she could and swore she’d send the rest later. Cinder is in Church with everyone else, and he’s asked where the rest of us are hiding. Not sure what bullshit excuse Hawk will give him, but the VP will come up with something,” the man said before focusing on me again. “I’m Crow.”

  “Meg,” I said with a little wave.

  Crow motioned to the truck. “Your chariot awaits.”

  Dingo helped me up onto the passenger seat, made sure my seatbelt was fastened, and then he shut the door. He jumped into the bed of the truck and smacked the roof. Crow put the vehicle into gear and went back the way he’d come, pulling to a stop in front of the clubhouse. Havoc held a duffle bag in his hand and approached, then opened the back door and tossed it in before hefting a box and adding it as well. Dingo and the others going with us got on their bikes and surrounded the truck. Havoc gave me a lingering look, but I couldn’t read his expression. With a slight nod, he shut the door and walked off.

  I tensed as we approached the gate, wondering if they would just let me leave. Killian was there and he opened it up, then waved us through. My jaw dropped a little as I stared at Crow, who was silently laughing.

  “Tinted windows, Meg. Did you notice that you couldn’t see into the truck when I pulled up to get you? Dingo knew it was me earlier because he recognized the truck. No one can see in even though we can see out clearly,” Crow said. “All that Prospect knows is that the Reckless Kings’ truck is leaving the compound. He didn’t see you get in. Doesn’t know why I’m leaving or who is inside, and that’s how we’re going to keep it.”

  “Aren’t you going to get into trouble for smuggling me away from the compound?” I asked.

  “Nope. My VP gave me the order to get you to safety. Your life is in danger more than the others, and if you’re feeling the need to escape your confines enough to walk around a place that isn’t safe, then we need to get you somewhere secure where we damn sure know we don’t have a rat.”

  “He didn’t even notice I’m gone,” I said, looking out the window.

  Crow didn’t say anything and silence reigned in the truck as the miles passed. We left the small Florida town I’d called home since being rescued, and eventually we left the state too. I didn’t know where the Reckless Kings lived, and decided to nap. We made a few stops for bathroom breaks and food, but the men were always vigilant and made sure no one tried to hurt me or take me. When I saw the Welcome to Tennessee sign, I hoped we didn’t have much farther to go.

  I saw signs for the various towns and eventually it said we were nearing Nashville. Crow pulled off the highway and down a small road. Trees surrounded us and I had no idea where we were. Night had fallen and I could barely see anything beyond the headlights. We drove another twenty minutes before he turned down a path I hadn’t even noticed. After what felt like forever, we came to a set of gates that said Reckless Kings above it. Crow waved at someone and a Prospect came forward.

  “Already back, Crow?” he asked, then eyed the other bikers with us.

  “Bringing precious cargo with me. Open the gates and let the others in too. They won’t be staying but overnight, then they’re heading back to Florida to deal with the Devil’s Boneyard issue.”

  The Prospect nodded and pressed a button to open the gate.

  We bypassed what had to be th
e clubhouse, but it looked nothing like the one at the Devil’s Boneyard. This one looked more like a rustic lodge and was easily three times the size of the one I’d left behind. If I had to guess, I’d say the Reckless Kings had way more money than the Devils did. He continued down the road through the compound and stopped in front of a two-story home that resembled a massive cabin. Crow turned off the truck and got out, stretching before shutting the door. I hesitantly opened mine and stepped out.

  “Where are we?” I asked.

  The front door opened and one of the scariest men I’d ever seen stepped out. My steps faltered and my heart started pounding as I wondered if it was too late to run. Crow gripped my arm and tugged me forward. The giant smiled down at me, his features softening slightly.

  “Welcome to the Reckless Kings, Meg. My name is Forge and I’m the Sergeant at Arms. We decided you’d be safest here.”

  I peered around him, hoping there would be a woman in the house, but I didn’t notice one. My gaze landed on his again and he took a step back, motioning for me to go inside. Crow pulled me along, not stopping until he’d nudged me down onto a leather couch that was entirely too comfortable. He spoke quietly with Forge for a moment, then left only to return with my things.

  I didn’t know what to make of the situation, and I hoped I hadn’t made a serious mistake. No one had hurt me or threatened me, but I was in a strange place with men I’d never met before. Maybe I hadn’t made the wisest choice. The door opened again and Dingo strolled inside, a bag slung over his shoulder.

  “Where you want me?” Dingo asked Forge.

  “You can have the room next to Meg’s. Since you’re a familiar face, I’m sure she’ll want you close by. You’re both on the second floor.”

  “You’re staying too?” I asked before Dingo could walk off.

  He grinned at me and winked. “Can’t leave my favorite girl among strangers. Besides, Jordan would kick my ass if I didn’t send her regular updates on how you’re doing. Once the threat has been neutralized, we can discuss something more permanent.”